Microdata format detected instead of JSON-LD: what it is, why it matters, and how to fix it
This page uses Microdata (itemscope/itemprop attributes) for structured data instead of JSON-LD. While both are supported, Google recommends JSON-LD as the preferred format.
Where this fits: structured_data in SEO
Why microdata format detected instead of json-ld hurts your rankings
Google explicitly recommends JSON-LD over Microdata and RDFa. JSON-LD is easier to implement, maintain, and debug because it is separate from the HTML markup. Microdata requires embedding attributes throughout the HTML, making it more fragile and error-prone during template changes.
This is an advisory finding: not a defect, but an opportunity flagged so you can decide deliberately rather than by accident.
How to fix it
Convert Microdata markup to JSON-LD format. Create a <script type="application/ld+json"> block with the equivalent structured data. This can be done independently of the HTML markup, making it easier to maintain.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Microdata format detected instead of JSON-LD" mean?
This page uses Microdata (itemscope/itemprop attributes) for structured data instead of JSON-LD. While both are supported, Google recommends JSON-LD as the preferred format.
Why does microdata format detected instead of json-ld matter for SEO?
Google explicitly recommends JSON-LD over Microdata and RDFa. JSON-LD is easier to implement, maintain, and debug because it is separate from the HTML markup. Microdata requires embedding attributes throughout the HTML, making it more fragile and error-prone during template changes.
How do I fix microdata format detected instead of json-ld?
Convert Microdata markup to JSON-LD format. Create a <script type="application/ld+json"> block with the equivalent structured data. This can be done independently of the HTML markup, making it easier to maintain.
How serious is this issue?
This is an advisory finding: not a defect, but an opportunity flagged so you can decide deliberately rather than by accident. It belongs to the structured_data family of checks.
How do I find every page affected by this on my site?
Run a free Dr Urls audit: it crawls your site, detects microdata format detected instead of json-ld on every affected page, shows example URLs, and generates a ready-to-use fix task. Re-scan after fixing to verify the issue is gone.
Does your site have this issue?
A free Dr Urls audit crawls your site, finds every page affected by microdata format detected instead of json-ld, and hands you a ready-made fix task.
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